We own a small (47 sq. m) 2LDK mansion in Shinagawa-ku, built by セザール around 30 years ago. It's been used as an office for the last few years, but we are going to turn it back into a residence, and plan to renovate it prior to doing so. I was about to go online and start looking for renovation companies with the goal of choosing 2-3 firms from which to request quotes. Before doing so I thought it would be good to ping the braintrust here and solicit recommendations for how (or how not) to proceed. For those that have done this before: is this a simple 相見積もり-type process, or something requiring more finesse in order to avoid common pitfalls, not overpay, etc.?
One more question, on the off chance anyone knows: do you think it might be possible to purchase (from the renovation company) all the necessary equipment and materials (cabinets, 水回りstuff, etc.) in advance, before the actual work would begin, and then pay (separately) later for the labor portion? It would be preferable to pay a portion of the costs as early as possible.
by denbushi